Three Nights with a Scoundrel

Julian Bellamy has spent months since the death of his friend trying to determine who killed him and why. In the light of new evidence, he's convinced that the murderers were attempting to kill Julian himself and not his friend. In his efforts to determine which of his enemies is behind the attack, he's willing to destroy his reputation among the ton to do it. But Lily, the deaf twin sister of said friend, and a friend to Julian in her own right has a different goal in mind. She wants Julian to let go of the investigation into her brother's death and return to his previous pursuits. So she strikes a bargain with Julian for him to escort her to three social events in the hopes she can remind him of all the good life can hold. Of course, show more all that time together will force them to face a truth they've both known for a long time.

Tessa Dare is one of my favourite historical romance authors for good reason and this outing is a solid example of her talents. She does an excellent job of resolving the mystery of the murder that has hung over all three books in the romance trilogy, crafting a compelling romance between Lily and Julian, and exploring their characters in compelling writing. Of particular note is that Dare does an excellent job of writing Lily's experience of being deaf in the narrative. Dare fans should have a good time with this one. show less

Three Nights with a Scoundrel
2 Stars

Tessa Dare's writing is usually very engaging and I did enjoy the first book in this series. Nevertheless, the 2nd and 3rd installments are very disappointing.

Despite having all of the ingredients for a wonderful romance - a tortured hero concealing his true identity, a disabled heroine with a backbone of steel, and an intriguing mystery none of these elements manage to coalesce into a coherent and appealing story.

Lily and Julian's relationship is a total mess. To begin with, Julian is not portrayed in a good light as his original goal was to seduce Lily as he does with the other women of the ton out of a misplaced desire for revenge on his father. Lily is far too sweet and loving for my tastes and show more verges on "Mary Sue-ness". Moreover, they have absolutely no chemistry whatsoever. In fact, their interactions are shudderingly awkward and painful to read. The inclusion of a loquacious parrot during some of the scenes only adds insult to injury.

The mystery surrounding the death of Lily's twin, Leo, completely fizzles. Dare ignores the foundation established in books #1 and #2 and takes the case in a completely new direction that ignores all previous plot threads. The ultimate explanation is disappointing, unsatisfying, and
the underlying political message falls flat on its face.

In sum, this book and the series as a whole are not good examples of Dare's work. I recommend giving it a pass and reading the Spindle Cove books instead. show less

I pretty much agree with everyone else that said that Bellamy was not a likeable character until you got to this book and really saw his back story and motivations. I love that we have two characters that adore each other and have for years but are not willing to admit to it even though every one around them can tell. And I love that the lead female has a disability. Dare's research into deafness and the sign language of the time is a welcome addition to the genre. Well done.

I deduced the murder motive early on, but it didn't ruin the rest of the story at all. This was my least favorite of the three, but definitely worth reading for all the loose ends it tied up

I wasn't sure what to think going into this novel. I wasn't very impressed with Julian in either of the previous two books. He came across as angry, uncaring, selfish, vain and altogether a not-very-likable character. I vowed to have an open mind, but we all know how that is.

So it's with great pleasure that I say I absolutely adored Julian.

When his best friend Leo was murdered, Julian Bellamy vowed two things; to find the murderers and bring them to justice and to see Leo's sister, Lady Lily, settled into a good marriage. He loves Lily enough that he wants to see her settled with a man of her own class - something he can never be.

Lily is heartily sick and tired of Julian putting himself in danger by searching out her brother's killers. show more No one wants justice for his murder than she, but not if it's going to cost her Julian. He's been her best friend as long as she can remember, and she doesn't want him putting himself in danger. Lately he's been like a man obsessed. He hardly eats, rarely sleeps and her concern for him grows more every day.

When he insist yet again that she marry, she agrees to return to society, but only if he accompanies her. He must give her three nights - escort her to three events - or she'll quite happily retire to the country alone. For Julian, spending three nights with Lily is both heaven and hell. He longs for her, but knows he can never have her. It's the worst sort of torture to be near her and know she can never be his.

Lily is deaf. I really loved how strong she was. She didn't shy away from the truth of her feelings and she wasn't afraid to put herself out there. She was happy to try new things, or go on adventures, or put her heart on the line. She was very refreshing.

One of the things that frustrated me about the previous novel, Twice Tempted by a Rogue, was that the class differences between the hero and heroine weren't fully explored. That wasn't the case here. Julian really thought about what it would mean for Lily to be with him.

I expected to be annoyed by Julian, or to have his insistance that Lily marry be too much. But instead I sympathized with him and adored him. He really only wanted what was best for her. In so many novels the hero thinks, "Damn the consequences!" and while that can be very exciting, it's also not very realistic. Dare really showcased just how much Julian truly cared for Lily, in actions rather than words.

The problem wasn't with them being in love. It's obvious from the beginning that Julian cares for her and it isn't long before Lily realizes she loves him as well. The problem is that Julian isn't good enough.

Though I understand, and appreciate, the class differences between them and why Julian wanted better for Lily, it was harped on a bit too much. Julian constantly pushes Lily away because he isn't good enough. It became too much for me, especially near the end.

He also had a major secret he kept from her, almost until the last page. Why he kept it from her is beyond me. His insistence that he had to be "Good" for her and that she was "everything" to him frustrated me. The good news is, it also frustrated Lily. She didn't let him get away with much, including keeping her in the dark. show less

I pretty much agree with everyone else that said that Bellamy was not a likeable character until you got to this book and really saw his back story and motivations. I love that we have two characters that adore each other and have for years but are not willing to admit to it even though every one around them can tell. And I love that the lead female has a disability. Dare's research into deafness and the sign language of the time is a welcome addition to the genre. Well done.

Wow! What a finish to the Stud Club trilogy! I stayed up way too late finishing it -- and I never saw the surprise coming straight at me. There's also a beautiful romance here, between Julian, the bastard son of a nobleman, and Lily, the deaf sister of his murdered friend Leo. Tessa Dare just does everything right in this one!